1987 Ford Ranger XLT from North America - Comments

The timing belt has gone out at around 179,000 miles.

The parking brake would stick on slightly so I had to get new brakes about a month ago.

I got the truck from my dad when I turned 16 and it has been running good while I've had it.

The interior is in great condition for how old it is and I have plenty of head room.

The exterior has some small dents and some rust, but it still looks good.

The engine is still the original and is running smoothly.

It is a tough truck and has lots of power for a 4 cylinder engine.

Overall I am very happy with this truck and it is fun to drive.

So this 1987 Ranger you talk about is still in good shape. But it is so old why don't you get a better truck, one with some more power maybe. And why would you keep it after everything that has happened to it over all these years. But I guess that it has been that good you should keep.

I have a 87 model, that has been beat to heck, and has AWESOME low end Torque from the 2.9L V-6, I haven't found anything it wouldn't yank. It also has well over 300K miles.

I just bought mine, a 91 ranger (same as 87w/ slight body changes) from my dad and I have no regrets. the torque pumped out by the 2.9l 6 cylinder motor is great. the 4 wheel drive is great for off road and snow conditions. I only got stuck once a 3 ft snow drift. only problem I have is theres something leaking on the clutch, so its extremely grabby and sensitive, which took a little getting used to. (great for burnouts)

I had a 1987 Ford Ranger. In 117,000 miles, the truck had the front and rear brake pads replaced, the exhaust replaced, and some minor work to correct a front alignment problem.

I wish I had that truck back. It was the best vehicle I ever owned. Parts were cheap, and you could change the oil yourself for $8.

This is an update. The truck just rolled over 200,000 miles a week ago and it is still running good. Ford Rangers are the best.

I agree with that, Ford Rangers are the best. My 91 with the 2.3 is the only truck that I know can run out of oil 3 times and still run... It's an amazing engine and truck overall. put 187,000 on it in 5 years and still runs good.

I can't help, but notice that a lot of teens like myself that are starting out in a Ranger of some sort. I do agree that these trucks are probably some of the best built. My Ranger is a 1992 STX Supercab with a 3.0 engine and 5-speed manual. It currently has 148000 miles and is still on the original clutch. The engine still runs very strong. I love this truck, and it's fairly easy to work on and trick out. A sole oil gasket was the only thing that needed fixing. It's a very strong truck and I am going to keep it for quite a while. Good luck with your Rangers.

My first car was also a Ford Ranger. It was an 89 ford ranger (new body style like the 91 explorer), 2.9L, 2WD, 5Spd, XLT, short cab, reg bed, had cruise control and mirrors that would fold up/flap like wings at speeds >55mph. But, overall it was a really good first car for a 17 y/o.

I am now on ranger #2 (a 1994 3.0L 5spd 2x4) which is absolutely sweet - complete with flowmaster, canopy, tinted windows and good paint (original white).

Today my wife and I go and look at ranger #3... a pretty red 87... we'll see what happens.